Strategies for coping with climate change among farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper assessed the strategies for coping with climate change among farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria. A structured interview schedule that was validated by experts in the Department of Agricultural Extension was used to collect data from 120 respondents, using a multi-stage sampling technique. The result showed that young, literate and experienced farmers that sourced their information mainly through personal observation dominated the farmers in the area. The majority (98.33%) of the respondents were aware of what climate change is all about. Cassava and poultry were the major crops and livestock grown and reared. Yearly rainfall begins late, crop failure, pest and disease infestations were the more challenges facing crops and livestock grown and reared. Changes, as indicated by the respondents, included; decreased yield of crops, increased poverty of the farmers, and change in rainfall pattern. The respondents indicated a ban on deforestation and diversification of crops as the best ways of coping with the impact of climate change. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that age, educational level and membership of social organization were statistically significant at a 5% probability level. The paper suggests that extensionists should use all possible extension structures to sensitize the farmers more on strategies for coping with climate change and the production of crops and animals that are more tolerant to adverse weather conditions. Finally, adequate information should be made available to farmers to enable them to salvage the agricultural sector from its present predicaments.